Pure Shares Surge on Disinfectant Demand

This year's flu outbreak is hitting hard across the country

With the flu sweeping across the nation, crowding hospital emergency rooms and sending millions to the doctor for vaccination, people are looking for ways to minimize exposure to the virus. While that may mean misery for millions, it sent shares of disinfectant maker PURE Bioscience (NASDAQ:PURE) soaring more than 12% in Monday afternoon trading.

PURE notes that its Hard Surface disinfectant can kill influenza virus, which causes the flu, on surfaces for up to 24 hours after use. The company notes that Hard Surface can be used on a variety of surfaces that see frequent hand contact, including tabletops, telephones, railings, banisters, switches, doorknobs and appliances.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported significant flu outbreaks in 44 states. The flu is particular dangerous for the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Last week, doctors in Massachusetts declared a health emergency in the Boston area after receiving more than 1,500 flu-related emergency room visits. Boston’s mayor said the city’s number of flu cases is already ten times that of last year.